When it comes to getting all dolled up for a night on the town, nothing amps up the drama factor quite like a pair of luxurious false lashes. For years I admired false lashes from afar, fearful of gluing my eyes shut or applying them asymmetrically (and thus risk looking as though I’d downed one too many G&Ts). And so I kept my singular pair of falsies sealed and stowed away at the bottom of my makeup bin.
I'm sure my story hits home for many of you. But hey, let me fill you in on a little secret: Applying false lashes is really quite easy – and once you get the hang of it, surprisingly fun.
I first met Melissa Gibson, Senior Artist for M.A.C Cosmetics, on the set of a recent photo shoot, where I caught the lash and glue guru in the middle of a perfect falsies application. Naturally, I had to ask her a couple of questions – and what kind of a beauty writer would I be if I kept her advice to myself? A bad one, surely, though my lashes would be gorgeous.
According to Gibson, falsies application is as easy as 1-2-3…4. Step up your lash game with these tried-and-true steps and industry secrets!
What you need (L-R): Quo Eyeliner Brush, M.A.C Cosmetics Fluidline in Blacktrack, M.A.C Cosmetics #33 Lashes, Quo Full Eyelash Adhesive, Revlon tweezers, small scissors.
1. Snip to fit.
“Always check the length of the lash on the eye before you apply the glue,” Gibson told me. Starting from the outer corner, trim one bundle at a time until the lash fits your eye perfectly.
2. Line the lash.
Nothing ruins a glamorous set of lashes quite like leaving the clear band visible or lining your eyes wonkily once the lashes are perfectly in place. Avoid this beauty blunder by applying gel or waterproof eyeliner on the clear band of the lash strip. “This hides the band from looking shiny and provides a seamless finish to your application.”
3. Glue sparingly.
To ensure the longevity of your lashes, trace a small amount of glue along the inner band of the lashes with the pointed tip of the lash adhesive. Wait 15 to 20 seconds before placing the falsies on your lids – or risk half-on-half-off lashes for the rest of the night.
4. Work out to in.
If you’re the type to press the falsies into the centre of your lash line and work your way outwards in both directions – Gibson suggests you nix the habit now! To secure a symmetrical lash look, Gibson likes to “start at the outer corner edge and slowly push the lash into the lash line, making your way towards the inner cormer of the eye.”
Melissa Gibson's words to lash by:
"Take your time, especially if it's your first application!"
"If you have just purchased a new pair of lashes from M.A.C, you can ask an in store makeup artist for help on that first application.”
"I recommend trying half lashes. They can give a little kick at the end of the eye and are much easier to apply on your first attempt.”
Photos by Michelle Ramalho
